You can use any kind of drum, just be sure to burn it out really really good and then scrub it out very well, then season it real good. I use a whole pallet per barrel and that does the trick. Not one stitch of paint left or anything else for that matter. One thing I would caution you against would be any barrel with a red or brown liner in it. It may say food grade or something like that on the barrel but that stuff is very hard to get out. It will not burn out and you would have to grind it all out. not fun. I like drums with the removable lid with two bung holes in it, one small and one bigger. That way you can use the lid that came with the barrel until you find a kettle lid if you are so inclined. I just use the flat lid and have no problems. It is nice to be able to put the plugs back in to seal it up from rain, pests etc.... If you have any questions shoot.

Hello. If not sure what was in the barrel do the burn out in the wide open spaces and stay out of any smoke. Once burned out you should be fine but as an example if you are burning poison ivy and get into the smoke you can break out in the rash and I'm sure it can't be good for your lungs. Just use common sense precautions and you should be ok. As stated above a food grade barrel would probably be the best bet but getting that liner out can be a pain. Just my opinion. Keep Smokin!

My drum had candle wax gel in it and it is fine. Been smoking food on it for near 3 years now, no illnesses yet. Food grade drums always have a liner and the liner is toxic when you burn it. Therefore no benefit to a food grade drum. period.